When it comes to artificial intelligence, there is one question on everyone’s mind: Will it take over the world? If we are to believe some tech experts and futurists, it certainly could, but not in the way you’d expect.
No, there probably won’t be any armed red-eyed robots sneaking through the streets at night. But artificial intelligence is changing all of our politics, our economies, and even how we use everyday technologies. Open the four exciting (and scary) books below to find out what’s about to happen.
‘The Loop: how technology is creating a world without choices and how to fight back’
By Jacob Ward
This eye-opening, narrative journey into the rapidly changing world of artificial intelligence reveals the dangerous ways AI exploits the unconscious habits of our minds — and the real threat it poses to humanity. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Jacob Ward, in the Next Big Idea app.
By Beena Ammanath
The founder of Humans for AI provides a simple and structured way to think about trust and ethics in AI, and provides practical guidance for organizations developing or using artificial intelligence solutions. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Beena Ammanath, in the Next Big Idea app.
‘The New Fire: War, Peace and Democracy in the Age of AI’
By Ben Buchanan and Andrew Imbrie
Combining a keen understanding of technology with smart geopolitical analysis, two AI policy experts show how artificial intelligence can work for democracy. With the right approach, technology doesn’t have to favor tyranny. Listen to the audio version – read by MIT Press Editorial Director Gita Manaktala – in the Next Big Idea app.
‘AI 2041: ten visions for our future’
By Kai-fu Lee and Chen Qiufan
In ten gripping short stories, a former president of Google China teams up with a celebrated novelist to envision our world in 2041 and how it will be shaped by artificial intelligence. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by co-author Kai-Fu Lee, in the Next Big Idea app.
This one article originally appeared on Next big ideas club and is reprinted with permission.